7th Post - Ghost Post w/ pics from Rob

Dee called me today (Tuesday) at 9:30 a.m. her time. It is the second day of the actual ride. I had hoped to hear from her last night at the end of her first day but cell phone coverage is spotty when heading up into the mountains east of San Diego so she couldn't get a connection. I assume this will be an occasional problem.

She made it through the first day's ride and said that the camping was fine. She slept warm and comfy in her tiny tent. She had been on the road for two hours when we spoke and it was clear that it was already a challenging day. She got rid of some gear last night to lessen her load. I asked her to describe the nature of the riding this morning and she said it was like riding east on Rte. 40 from Uniontown up to the Summit only steeper and instead of it being just a 2 mile hill, it will be like this for the next 7 miles.... a steady, relentless uphill grade.

Dee's ears (and legs) must have been burning because she just called me again to let me know that she is ok but that physically, it has been the hardest day of her life - child birthing included. The temps have been near 90 much of the day. Despite her exhaustion, she says she has no specific aches or pains - back, shoulders, neck, even hands have been good so far. Her feet, well they been painful for most of her life and she knows how to deal with them. I think she is looking forward to being in her tent before too long.

The pictures posted are of Dee & her bike in San Diego (she mailed me a disposable digital camera). I told her of the many comments posted by all of you and she can't wait to read them when she next gets to a computer. It goes without saying that the enthusiasm, support, and love from her friends and family is the fuel she rides on.

Thanks folks,
Robbie